The contract

Anastasia regained her balance quickly and placed some distance between them.

"I'm sorry I'm late. I had an emergency." She said without meeting his eyes.

He took in her appearance. She actually did look like she had run from somewhere.

"Have a seat." Damien ushered her inside the office.

“The amused look on Xavier's face didn't go unnoticed by Damien.

He rolled his eyes at him.

After a few seconds, with Anna taking deep breaths under Xavier's piercing gaze.

Damien finally spoke. "What's your decision?"

Anastasia looked at Xavier, with a hint of doubt.

"Don't worry about him. You can speak." Damien assured her.

"Okay."

"I accept your proposal." She said quietly.

"Holy shit." Xavier screamed, earning him a glance from Damien.

"Sorry." He apologized quickly.

"Mr Walker, I have some conditions too."

The smile on Xavier's face faded. He knew what could be going through her head right now. It definitely had to be money.

"Go on, tell me." Damien urged her.

"I-I just want my family to be left out from all these. No interviews or digging up." She said

"Noted."

Xavier couldn't believe what the girl had just said. She was going to be in a contract marriage with Damien Walker and all she could ask for was that.

Damien passed her a document."

This is the contract, the conditions and also the benefits each party will get."

"You can take it from here." He said as he turned to Xavier.

He stood and left for his meeting.

Xavier finally found the opportunity to tease his friend's little bride.

"Hi, Miss Anastasia. Oh sorry, I should say Mrs Anastasia rather." He gave her his boyish smile.

Anastasia could feel the way her cheeks heated up immediately.

She coughed, clearing her throat.

"Don't worry. I'm just pulling your leg." He said, lifting both hands up in the air.

"You should read the contracts carefully and if you have any issue, you'd raise it with Mr Walker. It is a draft.

The original one, you'll sign together with him." He explained to her

"Okay."

She couldn't believe she was doing this.

She read the contact carefully, her eyes widened.

1. Rights, Decisions and Confidentiality

Party B agrees to give Party A control over major decisions concerning her life during the duration of the contract, including her whereabouts, public appearances, and other important personal decisions. Both parties shall keep the terms and existence of this agreement strictly confidential.

2. Walker Enterprises

Party B agrees to cooperate fully with Party A and do everything required of her to help restore the reputation of Walker Enterprises.

3. Duration, Feelings and Exclusivity

The marriage shall last for one year. Both parties agree that the relationship is strictly contractual, with no emotional attachment or expectations. Neither party shall date or pursue another romantic relationship during the contract period. Party B shall not be entitled to alimony after the contract ends.

4. Child Clause

If Party B becomes pregnant during the contract, the child shall remain with Party A after the marriage ends. Party B agrees to leave the child's life and have no claim over the child.

5. Compensation

Upon completion of the one-year contract, Party B shall receive the agreed compensation stated in this agreement.

"I'll have to talk to him about this." She said weakly.

"Ohkay. You can sign the draft for now."

After picking the pen, she stared at the paper for a while before finally signing it.

Walker Mansion...

Dean Walker and his father sat in the study, discussing matters.

"The company is a bit stable now, but we lost too much and we don't have new investors." Dean Walker said.

"I have faith in Damien. He'll set things straight." Grandpa said.

"About that, father, don't you think he should step away a bit?" Dean reasoned with his father

"Step away, then who would be responsible for the company?"

"Martin is here. The board members have been discussing this."

"Damien is the CEO of Walker Enterprises. He didn't get there because he is just your son, he is there because of his capabilities." Grandpa said defending his grandson

"I just think it's best for the company."

"Hmm best for the company or best for Jessica who is, by the way, standing outside, eavesdropping on our conversation?" Grandpa demanded.

"You are the reason for all these chaos. Stop pushing the boy to cover for your mistakes."

Grandpa stood up immediately. As he opened the door he collided with Jessica.

"Father, I was bringing snacks." She tried to cover up the shock on her face.

"You can serve your husband. I'm not interested." He walked away after saying that

The meeting Damien had attended lasted for hours. He was mentally exhausted.

He had learnt to hide his emotions from a young age.

There were times he just had to smile or pretend all was fine just to make sure his mother never noticed his sad expression.

His mind drifted for a moment.

He could clearly remember the sad look on his mother's face, whenever she saw him crying or sad.

Also, the way her mascara spilled a little after trying to cover up her tears.

Suddenly, an image flashed through his eyes.

He saw something like that today.

Anastasia Hayes.

He had held her for a while today.

Remembering now, he was sure she cried before she met him.

He knew that look to well.

Country Side Hospital

The air felt cold and empty, not just because of the weather, but because of the news Anastasia and her mother had received in the doctor's office.

The phone call she had received when she was on the bus, was from the police. There had been an accident involving her brother on his way to school.

It was a hit and run.

The doctor's word rang over and over in her head.

"Her brother's leg might never fully recover due to the severity of the accident."

He would have to use aids and would have to defer his semester.

She placed her hand on her mother's back, trying to act strong. She didn't want to break in front of her mother.

"He'll be fine. Mum. He's a strong boy." She convinced her.

"Yes Ann, he'll be fine. He'll never fully walk properly again." Her mother sobbed silently.

"He's alive Mum. That's the most important."

Anastasia spent the night in the hospital after convincing her mother to go home so she could rest.

A notification dropped.

An unknown number sent a text.

She opened it.

"Hilton Hotel and Suites. Monday at 8p.m."

She didn't need to think twice. She already figured out who sent the text.

Damien Walker.

He didn't email this time. He used his private number. It was clear now, they were really doing this.

Monday

Anastasia had gone home to prepare to meet Damien at the luxurious Hilton Hotel.

She missed Windy, who was in the care of the vet as she didn't have the time to care for her with Theo's condition.

A knock on her door, brought her back from her thoughts.

She checked to see who it was through the peephole.

Opening the door, she saw a deliveryman

"How can I help you, sir?"

"You have to sign here, ma'am." He passed the pen to her.

"I never ordered for anything."

"Your husband did." The deliveryman said.

Her heart skipped a beat.

"Oh, yeah." She smiled.

She took the boxes from him.

"He's really a good actor. I guess we have to be careful."

She was in this business long enough to know that every single thing about her will be investigated, when the story comes out.

She opened the boxes.

She was left in awe by the contents.

A white, soft satin gown with delicate thread work sat inside the boxes.

There was a designer bag to shoes and expensive scents and make up.

After hours of dressing up, Anastasia was finally ready.

She stared at her mirror.

She looked so pretty, and she knew it.

The gown was not too short. It stopped above her knee. Her hair was tied up, revealing her the soft and delicate skin on her neck.

The pearl necklace hung beautifully around her neck.

Her contrasting blue eyes complimented her silver bag.

She was grateful for the choice of shoes.

It was a low heel. The latest Hermès flat heel.

After taking a look at her self again, she stepped out of her apartment.